A THREE-AND-A-HALF year project to restore the early 13th century bell turret of a Teme Valley the church is now complete.

This major undertaking at St Michael’s and All Angels Church in Knighton-on-Teme cost £213,000 and saves a key feature of this important church which dates back to Norman times.

The turret, built in 1200, was at risk because the existing cedar shingle roofing had been attacked by green woodpeckers, allowing water to penetrate and causing rotting of the timbers inside.

When the original roof was removed, it became apparent that no maintenance had been carried out on the structure since it was built 800 years ago.

The funding to replace the turret was raised largely thanks to two grants from the Heritage Lottery fund, which contributed around 70 per cent of the total.

Local fundraising and donations including community events raised the remainder of the money.

“We are extremely grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund and to all those who supported this very special project; without their help it could not have gone ahead,” said Peter Morgan, the project leader and a member of the church.

“Although the green woodpeckers are beautiful, they’ve been unwelcome visitors to our church - not least to the church architect, John Wheatley, who was once attacked by them while making an inspection.

“The damage to the old oak structure required specialist repair techniques and the turret has now been re-roofed with oak boarding covered by riven oak shingles, proof against woodpeckers.”

He said that the new turret roof is a golden colour but will fade to a silver grey hue and is expected to be good for the next 120 years.

A group of 24 children in years five and six from the Lindridge Church of England Primary School have studied the turret, the history of the church and its surroundings and incorporated this into a wider educational project.